Product Description: This necklace features a strand of Kankanba beads made from Bohemian glass in the Czech Republic. These beads, characterized by their vibrant pop colors, were extensively produced around 100 years ago for export to various African countries. This particular piece showcases a lapis blue color interspersed with green accents. The beads are strung on a thread, making it ready to wear as a necklace.

Specifications:

• Origin: Czech Republic
• Estimated Production Era: 19th to 20th century
• Bead Size:
  • Diameter: 7mm
  • Thickness: 4mm
  • Top Bead Diameter: 9mm
  • Top Bead Thickness: 7mm
• Materials: Glass, thread, raffia (raffia used only at the top)
• Length (including string): 63cm
• Special Notes: While this item can be worn as a necklace, please note that it is originally a strand of beads strung together with thread, and its durability as a necklace is not guaranteed.

Important Notices:

As an antique item, it may have scratches, cracks, chips, or stains. Images are for illustrative purposes only and may not accurately represent the pattern or color. Please allow for slight measurement discrepancies.

Other Trade Beads:

Trade beads were highly prized adornments for kings and nobility during the African slave trade era. Mass-produced in Venice and the Czech Republic (Bohemian glass), these beads were traded for slaves, gold, ivory, and other valuables across the globe, including Africa. The secretive production methods of glass beads generated immense wealth, with artisans often restricted from moving freely to protect trade secrets. Unlike beads made for European markets, these were meticulously crafted to suit the preferences of various tribes, resulting in a dazzling array of large and small, patterned and plain beads.